■ Asuke Hachimangu Shrine and Asuke Shrine (B-4)
It is said that the Asuke Hachimangu Shrine answers the prayers of people for healthier feet. This is because Asuke used to be a crossroads where people could rest their feet.
The shrine provides amulets for healthier feet and written oracles called omikuji. The main chamber of the shrine is a national Important Cultural Asset.
Asuke Shrine worships Asuke Jiro Shigenori who was a very skillful archer. Lord Shigenori played an important part in guarding Emperor Godaigo in the "Genko Incident" as a military commander-in-chief of an army of 3,000 soldiers.
■ Korankei (D-5)
Korankei Gorge is the most famous place for autumn leaves in the Tokai Region. In November, the leaves of about 4,000 maple trees turn red all at once, making for a picturesque view of the gorge. In May, the fresh, new leaves aren't to be missed, and in March, pale purple Asian fawnlilies bloom throughout the gorge, making it a place where you can enjoy Japan's seasonal changes.
■ Kojakuji Temple (D-6)
The Kojakuji Temple is an ancient temple of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism that was established in 1427 in the remains of the Asuke family residence, the castle lords of "Hanseizan."
The group of maple trees at Korankei Gorge originated from one maple tree that was planted in 1634 by a Buddhist priest named Sanei, the 11th successor of the temple. The temple provides written oracles called omikuji.
■ Sanshu Asuke Yashiki (D-7)
Sanshu Asuke Yashiki is an interactive facility where you can experience olden-day life in the mountains including handwork such as handloom-weaving and indigo-dyeing. The facility has a restaurant where you can enjoy delicious mountain village food such as gohei-mochi (grilled rice cake on a stick) and grilled ayu (sweetfish) seasoned with salt.
It takes about 10 minutes on foot to get from Korankei to Sanshu Asuke Yashiki.
■ Asuke Townscape (C-4 to H-2)
The streets of Asuke were an important transfer point of the Ina Kaido Road (Chuma Kaido Road) that connected the Mikawa region of the Owari Province to the Shinano Province and Asuke was a merchant town that prospered as an important place for the transportation of goods. Many houses that were built in Asuke in the latter half of the Edo period (from 1776 to 1830) still remain today.
In 2011, Asuke Townscape became the first area from Aichi Prefecture to be selected as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
■ Asuke Castle (I-4)
Asuke Castle was built by the Suzuki family who ruled the Asuke Region during the Sengoku, or Warring States, period. The castle was restored based on excavational investigation. The restoration of a mountaintop castle is extremely rare in Japan.
From the mountaintop donjon that is 301 meters above sea level, you can see the beautiful townscape of Asuke.
It takes about 40 minutes on foot to get from Korankei to the castle.
Event Information
•Opening Ceremony
Presence of Toyota City's Tourism PR Ambassadors will enliven the ceremony.
[Date and Time] November 1 (Tuesday), 5:00 PM
[Location] Korankei Square
•Iimoriyama light up
[Date and Time] From November 1 (Tuesday) to 30 (Wednesday), from sunset to 9:00 PM
* Times subject to changes due to pandemic and other reasons.
•Momiji Maple Leaves Festival Townscape Parade
Walk to JA Aichi's torii gate. Enjoy powerful performances and gorgeous parades along the road!
Please be mindful of road safety during the event.
[Date and time] November 6 (Sunday), from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
*: Cancelled in case of rain.
[Place] Between Asuke Koryukan in the old town, Training Center, and Torii Gate of JA Aichi.
•Yosakoi Performance by Chukyo University 17th Generation Hachimae Team
Enjoy a powerful performance by the young dancers!
[Date and time] October 30 (Sunday)
Shinmachi-Honmachi Parade from 1:00 PM
Jinya-ato Hiroba (Asuke Old Town) Dance Performance from 1:30 PM
•Kojakuji Temple Bamboo Lights Illumination
About 1,000 bamboo lanterns light up the approach to Kojakuji Temple.
[Date and time] Weekends from November 5 (Saturday) to 27 (Sunday) from 6:00 PM to 8:45 PM
*: No event will be held on November 23rd (Wednesday - holiday).
[Location] Kojakuji Temple Gate Inner Approach
•Wishing Candle
800 candles in glass bottles on the riverbed near Tomoe Bridge.
Buy candles for 500 yen and line them up on the riverbed.
[Date and time] Weekends from November 12 (Saturday) to 27 (Saturday), from 6:00 PM to 8:45 PM
*: No event will be held on November 23rd (Wednesday - holiday).
[Location] Right bank of the Tomoe River, under the second parking lot in Nishimachi
*: Admission to riverbed may be restricted in case of flood alerts.
•Saru-mawashi Monkey Performance
[Date and Time] Almost every day, several times a day. Times depend on the monkey's disposition.
*: Cancelled in case of rain. Only during daytime.
•Nostalgic Chindon Parade
A heart-warming parade by volunteer chindon shops in the town.
[Location] From Asuke Old Town to Korankei, then Korankei Square.
*: To prevent formation of crowds, only parades will be performed.
•Asuke Old Town Event "Asuke's Wedding" Exhibition
Held at Chumakan, an exhibition including Ozen trays used in the Koide Family's celebrations, and costumes and bridal accessories from the former Taguchi and Suzuki families, as well as memorabilia from ten other merchant houses of the town, such as wedding photos. Enjoy a nostalgic walk through the streets while looking at the exhibits in the shops.
[Date and time] From October 21 (Friday) to December 7 (Wednesday), from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
*: Closed on October 27 (Thursday) and December 1 (Thursday)
[Place] Asuke Chuumakan (Asuke Old Town) and ten other merchant houses along Nishimachi and Tamachi
*: Admission free of charge
*: Former Taguchi Family Residence is now a Old Town Information Center and is open every day in November.
•Special exhibition of the former Suzuki Family residence's restoration site, an important cultural property (Reservations required)--- Under preparation.